How Saint Clare of Assisi Guided Her Sisters. Impulses for the Today’s Leadership Context

• Main Authors: Mareike Gerundt, Markus Warode
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2018-11-01
• Series: Religions
• Subjects: Saint Clare of Assisi; leadership; Franciscan spirituality; ‘evangelical’ poverty; being serving; virtues; values; behavior
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/9/11/347

Saint Clare and leadership? A lot of research on her person has been done in recent years. However, her importance for today’s management has not been taken into account. In this article, we will look more closely at her understanding of leadership and how the medieval saint led the community of her sisters. To do this, we first look at biographical reports and written testimonies (about and written by her) that characterize her leadership actions and behavior. First and foremost, it was her endeavor to lead a life according to Jesus Christ under the privilege of poverty. In this presentation, the excerpts from the canonization process and passages of her order rule are of central importance. These testimonies provide valuable information on her understanding and her leadership style. Her biography, her leadership, and the values that shape her actions provide valuable insights into today’s leadership challenges. Through her example, St. Clare can help us to train ourselves as authentic leaders and to reflect on our own leadership and values. She can sensitize people to cultivate an appreciative inner attitude in dealing with others and thus develop our own effect as (leadership) personalities.